Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and control program

Abstract

To improve communication performance with server apparatuses.SOLUTION: A printer 2 includes a mode setting unit 212 that sets an operating mode MD of the printer 2, and a second communication control unit 214 that controls communication with a server apparatus 1. The mode setting unit 212 sets the operating mode MD to one of the operating modes MD: normal mode MD1, power saving mode MD2, and monitoring mode MD3 in which the server apparatus 1 monitors the status of the printer 2, and the second communication control unit 214 sets a communication protocol CP with the server apparatus 1 according to the set operating mode MD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for an image forming apparatus, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for transmitting printer status information to a server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-121972 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, HTTP or HTTPS is always used as the communication protocol, and therefore there is a demand for improved communication performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming device according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem includes a mode setting unit that sets the operating mode of the image forming device, and a communication control unit that controls communication with an information processing device, wherein the mode setting unit sets the operating mode to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which the information processing device monitors the status of the image forming device, and the communication control unit sets a communication protocol between the image forming device and the information processing device according to the set mode.

[0006] Another aspect of the method for controlling an image forming device that solves the above problem involves setting the operating mode of the image forming device to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which the information processing device monitors the status of the image forming device, and setting a communication protocol between the image forming device and the information processing device according to the set mode.

[0007] A control program according to yet another aspect that solves the above problem causes a processor provided in an image forming device to function as a mode setting unit that sets the operating mode of the image forming device and a communication control unit that controls communication with an information processing device, wherein the mode setting unit sets the operating mode to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which the information processing device monitors the status of the image forming device, and the communication control unit sets a communication protocol between the image forming device and the information processing device according to the set mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a state monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing an example of transitions in the printer's operating mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a power saving mode and a normal mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in a status monitoring mode and a normal mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the configuration of a status monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a status monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the status monitoring system 100 includes a server device 1 and a printer 2.

[0011] The server device 1 is communicably connected to the printer 2 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet. In this embodiment, the network NW is the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network NW may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0012] The server device 1 also receives an operation from the administrator US of the server device 1, and in response to the received operation, transmits a first transition request RQ1 to the printer 2 requesting a transition to monitoring mode MD3. The server device 1 also receives an operation from the administrator US of the server device 1, and in response to the received operation, transmits a second transition request RQ2 to the printer 2 requesting a transition from monitoring mode MD3 to normal mode MD1. The server device 1 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device."

[0013] The printer 2 operates in one of the following operating modes MD: normal mode MD1, power saving mode MD2, and monitoring mode MD3. The normal mode MD1 is a mode in which a print job is accepted from, for example, a personal computer (not shown) and the accepted print job is executed. The power saving mode MD2 is a mode that reduces the power consumed by the printer 2. In the power saving mode MD2, for example, power is supplied to the second control unit 21 and the second communication interface 24, but power is not supplied to the print mechanism 25. The monitoring mode MD3 is a mode that is executed when the server device 1 monitors the status of the printer 2. The printer 2 corresponds to an example of an "image forming device." The second control unit 21, the second communication interface 24, and the printing mechanism 25 will be further described with reference to FIG. The normal mode MD1, the power saving mode MD2, and the monitor mode MD3 are further described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] When the printer 2 receives a first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1 while operating in normal mode MD1, it transitions to monitoring mode MD3. Furthermore, if the printer 2 receives a second transition request RQ2 from the server device 1 while operating in monitoring mode MD3, it transitions to normal mode MD1.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the server device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 1 according to this embodiment. 2, the server device 1 includes a first control unit 11, a first operation mechanism 12, and a first communication interface 13. The first control unit 11 controls each unit of the server device 1. The first operation mechanism 12 and the first communication interface 13 are each connected to the first control unit 11 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a first memory 11B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first memory 11B stores a first control program PG1.

[0017] The first processor 11A may be configured with multiple processors or may be configured with a single processor. The first processor 11A may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. That is, the first processor 11A may be configured with the first control program PG1 installed as a hardware circuit. In this case, the first processor 11A may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1 to realize various functions of the first control unit 11.

[0018] The first memory 11B has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The first memory 11B may include, for example, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) as the nonvolatile storage area. The first memory 11B may also include a volatile storage area that constitutes a work area that temporarily stores programs executed by the first processor 11A and data to be processed. The first memory 11B may also include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) as the volatile storage area.

[0019] The first operation mechanism 12 includes an input means such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided on the server device 1, detects a user operation, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the first control unit 11. The first control unit 11 executes a process corresponding to the user operation based on the input from the first operation mechanism 12. The user is, for example, an administrator US of the server device 1.

[0020] The first communication interface 13 is a communication interface that communicates with the printer 2 in accordance with the Ethernet® standard. The first communication interface 13 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet® cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted through the connector. The first communication interface 13 is an interface board that includes a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to the main board on which the first processor 11A of the first control unit 11 and other components are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit that make up the first communication interface 13 are mounted on the main board of the first control unit 11.

[0021] The first communication interface 13 communicates with the printer 2 using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), or WebSocket as the communication protocol CP.

[0022] 2, the first control unit 11 includes a monitoring request unit 111, a first status acquisition unit 112, a first communication control unit 113, and a first status storage unit 114. These units are realized by, for example, cooperation between software and hardware when the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1. In other words, when the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1, the first control unit 11 functions as the monitoring request unit 111, the first status acquisition unit 112, and the first communication control unit 113. When the first processor 11A executes the first control program PG1, the first memory 11B functions as the first status storage unit 114.

[0023] The first status storage unit 114 stores the status information JCD acquired from the printer 2. The status information JCD is acquired from the printer 2 by the first status acquisition unit 112, and is stored in the first status storage unit 114 by the first status acquisition unit 112.

[0024] The monitoring request unit 111 receives an operation from the administrator US of the server device 1, and in response to the received operation, transmits a first transition request RQ1 to the printer 2 requesting a transition to monitoring mode MD3. The monitoring request unit 111 also receives an operation from the administrator US of the server device 1, and in response to the received operation, sends a second transition request RQ2 to the printer 2 requesting a transition from monitoring mode MD3 to normal mode MD1.

[0025] The first status acquisition unit 112 acquires the status information JCD from the printer 2. The first status acquisition unit 112 stores the acquired status information JCD in the first status storage unit 114.

[0026] The first communication control unit 113 sends a first transition request RQ1 and a second transition request RQ2 to the printer 2. The first communication control unit 113 also receives status information JCD from the printer 2.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the printer 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printer 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 2 includes a second control unit 21, a second operation mechanism 22, a second display mechanism 23, a second communication interface 24, a printing mechanism 25, an ink supply unit 26, and a printing medium storage unit 27. The second control unit 21 controls the operation of each unit of the printer 2. The second operation mechanism 22, the second display mechanism 23, the second communication interface 24, and the printing mechanism 25 are each configured to be able to communicate with the second control unit 21.

[0028] The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A such as a CPU, and a second memory 21B such as a ROM or RAM, and controls each part of the printer 2. The second memory 21B stores a second control program PG2. The second memory 21B may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD. In the second control unit 21, the second processor 21A reads out the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 21B and executes the processing. In other words, the second control unit 21 executes the processing through cooperation of hardware and software. The second control program PG2 corresponds to an example of a "control program."

[0029] The second processor 21A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the second processor 21A. The second processor 21A corresponds to an example of a "processor."

[0030] In this embodiment, the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2 to control each part of the printer 2, but this is not limiting. The second control unit 21 may include, for example, an ASIC, and the ASIC may execute processing using implemented functions. The second control unit 21 may also include, for example, a signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit may execute processing by performing signal processing.

[0031] The second operation mechanism 22 has input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided on the printer 2, detects user operations on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 executes processing corresponding to the user operation based on the input from the second operation mechanism 22. The user is, for example, the administrator UP of the printer 2.

[0032] The second display mechanism 23 has a display panel such as a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs operations such as turning on, off, and blinking the LEDs in a predetermined manner and displaying information on the display panel under the control of the second control unit 21.

[0033] The second communication interface 24 is a communication interface that communicates with the server device 1 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The second communication interface 24 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted through the connector. The second communication interface 24 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the second processor 21A of the second control unit 21 and the like are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit that constitute the second communication interface 24 are mounted on the main board of the second control unit 21.

[0034] The second communication interface 24 communicates with the server device 1 using HTTP, HTTPS, or WebSocket as the communication protocol CP.

[0035] The printing mechanism 25 executes a printing function under the control of the second control unit 21. Under the control of the second control unit 21, the printing mechanism 25 prints characters, images, etc. on a printing medium such as printing paper using ink. The printing mechanism 25 includes a print head 251, a carriage 252, a scanning motor 253, and a transport motor 254 as components related to printing. The print head 251 is an inkjet type and ejects ink supplied from the ink supply unit 26 toward the print medium. A carriage 252 carries the print head 251 and scans in the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction intersects with the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction indicates the transport direction of the print medium. A scan motor 253 scans the carriage 252 in the main scanning direction. A transport motor 254 transports the print medium in the transport direction.

[0036] The ink supply unit 26 houses an ink tank that stores ink, and supplies ink from the ink tank to the print head 251 of the printing mechanism 25. The ink supplied by the ink supply unit 26 is, for example, ink of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K).

[0037] The print medium storage unit 27 is configured to be able to store print medium. When the print medium is cut paper, the print medium storage unit 27 feeds the stored cut paper to a transport path (not shown) by transporting it with the transport motor 254. The print medium storage unit 27 may also be configured to collect printed matter, which is the print medium after printing. The configuration for collecting printed matter may be a configuration in which cut paper is stacked and placed on top of each other.

[0038] Next, the functional blocks of the second control unit 21 of the printer 2 will be described. The second control unit 21 includes a print control unit 211, a mode setting unit 212, a second status acquisition unit 213, a second communication control unit 214, and a second status storage unit 215. When the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, the second processor 21A functions as the print control unit 211, the mode setting unit 212, the second status acquisition unit 213, and the second communication control unit 214. When the second processor 21A executes the second control program PG2, the second memory 21B functions as the second status storage unit 215. The second communication control unit 214 corresponds to an example of a "communication control unit."

[0039] The second status storage unit 215 stores the status information JCD acquired from each part of the printer 2. The status information JCD is acquired from each part of the printer 2 by the second status acquisition unit 213, and is stored in the second status storage unit 215 by the second status acquisition unit 213.

[0040] The print control unit 211 receives a print job from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, and executes the print job. The print control unit 211 instructs the print mechanism 25 to perform an operation corresponding to the print job, and causes the print mechanism 25 to execute the print job.

[0041] The mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD of the printer 2. The mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to one of the normal mode MD1, power saving mode MD2, and monitoring mode MD3.

[0042] Normal mode MD1 includes a state in which the printer 2 can accept a print job and execute the process corresponding to the print job. Normal mode MD1 also includes a state in which operations from the second operation mechanism 22 can be accepted. The power saving mode MD2 is a mode that reduces the power consumed by the printer 2. In the power saving mode MD2, for example, power is supplied to the second control unit 21 and the second communication interface 24, but power is not supplied to the print mechanism 25.

[0043] The monitoring mode MD3 is a mode in which the server device 1 monitors the status of the printer 2. In monitoring mode MD3, for example, the process in which the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD and the process in which the second communication control unit 214 transmits status information JCD to the server device 1 are given priority over when the printer 2 is in normal mode MD1. In monitoring mode MD3, for example, the process in which the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD and the process in which the second communication control unit 214 transmits status information JCD to the server device 1 are processed with priority over all other processes.

[0044] When the operation mode MD is the normal mode MD1 or the power saving mode MD2, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3 in response to a request from the server device 1. For example, when the operation mode MD is the normal mode MD1 or the power saving mode MD2, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3 upon receiving a first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1. Furthermore, when the operation mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the normal mode MD1 in response to a request from the server device 1. For example, when the operation mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the normal mode MD1 upon receiving a second transition request RQ2 from the server device 1.

[0045] The second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD from each unit of the printer 2 and stores the acquired status information JCD in the second status storage unit 215. The second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD that indicates the status of the printer 2 according to the set operating mode MD. When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is normal mode MD1, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 every predetermined period PDA. The predetermined period PDA is, for example, 10 seconds. When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is power saving mode MD2, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 for each first period PD1. The first period PD1 is longer than the predetermined period PDA. The first period PD1 is, for example, one minute. When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is monitoring mode MD3, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 for each second period PD2. The second period PD2 is shorter than the specified period PDA and the first period PD1. The second period PD2 is, for example, one second.

[0046] The status information JCD includes, for example, information indicating whether the printer 2 is in operation, running, or on standby. Being in operation indicates that an operation from the second operating mechanism 22 is being accepted. Being in operation includes, for example, being in the process of executing a printing process via the printing mechanism 25, being in the process of acquiring status information JCD from each part of the printer 2, and being in the process of sending status information JCD via the second communication interface 24. Being on standby means that the device is waiting to receive an operation and a print job.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, when the printer 2 is currently executing a print process via the printing mechanism 25, the status information JCD includes the following information: The status information JCD includes information indicating the status of each of the print head 251, carriage 252, scanning motor 253, and transport motor 254 that make up the printing mechanism 25 of the printer 2.

[0048] The second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 according to the set operation mode MD. For example, when the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is the normal mode MD1, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to the first communication protocol CP1. Furthermore, for example, when the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is the power saving mode MD2, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to the second communication protocol CP2. Furthermore, for example, when the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is the monitoring mode MD3, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to the second communication protocol CP2.

[0049] The first communication protocol CP1 includes at least one of HTTP and HTTPS. The first communication protocol CP1 is, for example, HTTP or HTTPS. The second communication protocol CP2 includes WebSocket. The second communication protocol CP2 is, for example, WebSocket.

[0050] When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is normal mode MD1, the second communication control unit 214 sends status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 every predetermined period PDA. The predetermined period PDA is, for example, 10 seconds. When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is power saving mode MD2, the second communication control unit 214 sends status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 every first period PD1. The first period PD1 is longer than the predetermined period PDA. The first period PD1 is, for example, one minute. When the operating mode MD of the printer 2 is monitoring mode MD3, the second communication control unit 214 sends status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 every second period PD2. The second period PD2 is shorter than the predetermined period PDA and the first period PD1. The second period PD2 is, for example, one second.

[0051] Next, the transitions of the operation mode MD of the printer 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a state transition diagram 300 showing an example of the transitions of the operation mode MD of the printer 2. As shown in the state transition diagram 300, the operation mode MD is made up of a normal mode MD1, a power saving mode MD2, and a monitoring mode MD3. The transition of the operating mode MD of the printer 2 shown in FIG.

[0052] In normal mode MD1, if the printer 2 remains in standby mode for a certain period of time, the operating mode MD of the printer 2 transitions from normal mode MD1 to power saving mode MD2. Also, if the printer 2 is in standby mode in normal mode MD1 and receives a first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1, the operating mode MD of the printer 2 transitions from normal mode MD1 to monitoring mode MD3.

[0053] In the power saving mode MD2, if the printer 2 receives at least one of an operation from the second operation mechanism 22 and a print job, the operating mode MD of the printer 2 transitions from the power saving mode MD2 to the normal mode MD1. When the first transition request RQ1 is received from the server device 1 in the power saving mode MD2, the mode transitions from the normal mode MD1 to the monitoring mode MD3.

[0054] When the second transition request RQ2 is received from the server device 1 in the monitoring mode MD3, the mode transitions from the monitoring mode MD3 to the normal mode MD1. If the printer 2 is in standby mode in monitoring mode MD3 for a predetermined period of time after receiving the first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1, the printer 2 transitions from monitoring mode MD3 to normal mode MD1. The predetermined period of time is, for example, 20 minutes.

[0055] Next, the processing in the power saving mode MD2 and normal mode MD1 of the printer 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram 400 showing an example of the processing in the power saving mode MD2 and normal mode MD1 of the printer 2. As shown in the sequence diagram 400, first, in step S101, the mode setting unit 212 transitions the operating mode MD of the printer 2 from the normal mode MD1 to the power saving mode MD2. Next, in step S103, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to WebSocket, and the second communication control unit 214 requests the server device 1 to establish a communication connection using WebSocket. Next, in step S105, the second communication control unit 214 establishes a communication connection between the second communication interface 24 and the first communication interface 13 of the server device 1 using WebSocket.

[0056] Next, in step S107, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 for each first period PD1, and the second communication control unit 214 transmits the status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 for each first period PD1. Next, in step S109, the server device 1 collects and analyzes the status information JCD received from the printer 2. Next, in step S111, when the printer 2 receives at least one of an operation from the second operation mechanism 22 and a print job, the mode setting unit 212 transitions the operating mode MD of the printer 2 from the power saving mode MD2 to the normal mode MD1.

[0057] Next, in step S113, the second communication control unit 214 cuts off the communication connection with the server device 1 via WebSocket. Next, in step S115, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to HTTP. Then, the second communication control unit 214 establishes a communication connection with the server device 1 using HTTP. Furthermore, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD for each PDA for a predetermined period of time, and transmits the acquired status information JCD to the server device 1 for each PDA for a predetermined period of time.

[0058] Step S101 and step S111 each correspond to an example of a "first setting step." Step S103 and step S115 each correspond to an example of a "second setting step."

[0059] Next, the processing in monitoring mode MD3 and normal mode MD1 of the printer 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram 500 showing an example of the processing in monitoring mode MD3 and normal mode MD1 of the printer 2. As shown in sequence diagram 500, first, in step S201, the monitoring request unit 111 of the server device 1 accepts an operation from the administrator US and, in response to the accepted operation, sends a first transition request RQ1 to the printer 2. The first transition request RQ1 is information requesting the printer 2 to transition from the operating mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3. Next, in step S203, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3. Then, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to WebSocket. In addition, the second communication control unit 214 requests the server device 1 to establish a communication connection using WebSocket. However, if the printer 2 is currently printing or in operation, the mode setting unit 212 will not accept the first transition request RQ1.

[0060] Next, in step S205, the second communication control unit 214 establishes a communication connection between the second communication interface 24 and the first communication interface 13 of the server device 1 using WebSocket. Next, in step S207, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 for each second period PD2, and the second communication control unit 214 transmits the status information JCD to the server device 1 for each second period PD2. Next, in step S209, the monitoring request unit 111 of the server device 1 accepts an operation from the administrator US and, in response to the accepted operation, sends a second transition request RQ2 to the printer 2. The second transition request RQ2 is information requesting the printer 2 to transition from the operating mode MD to the normal mode MD1.

[0061] Next, in step S211, the mode setting unit 212 transitions the operating mode MD of the printer 2 from the monitoring mode MD3 to the normal mode MD1. Then, the second communication control unit 214 disconnects the communication connection with the server 1 via WebSocket. 6 illustrates a case where the server device 1 sends the second transition request RQ2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, if the printer 2 is in standby mode for a predetermined period of time after receiving the first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1, the printer 2 transitions from monitoring mode MD3 to normal mode MD1. Next, in step S213, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 to HTTP. Then, the second communication control unit 214 establishes a communication connection with the server device 1 using HTTP. Furthermore, the second status acquisition unit 213 acquires status information JCD for each PDA for a predetermined period of time, and transmits the acquired status information JCD to the server device 1 for each PDA for a predetermined period of time.

[0062] Step S203 and step S211 each correspond to an example of a "first setting step." Step S203 and step S213 each correspond to an example of a "second setting step."

[0063] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the printer 2 according to this embodiment includes a mode setting unit 212 that sets the operation mode MD of the printer 2, and a second communication control unit 214 that controls communication with the server device 1. The mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to one of the normal mode MD1, the power saving mode MD2, and the monitoring mode MD3 in which the server device 1 monitors the status of the printer 2, and the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP between the printer 2 and the server device 1 according to the set operation mode MD.

[0064] According to this configuration, the communication protocol CP between the server device 1 is set in accordance with the set operation mode MD, so that communication performance can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP to the first communication protocol CP1 when the operating mode MD is the normal mode MD1, and sets the communication protocol CP to the second communication protocol CP2, which is different from the first communication protocol CP1, when the operating mode MD is the power saving mode MD2.

[0066] According to this configuration, when the operation mode MD is the normal mode MD1, the first communication protocol CP1 is set, and when the operation mode MD is the power saving mode MD2, the communication protocol CP is set to the second communication protocol CP2 different from the first communication protocol CP1. Therefore, it is possible to set each of the first communication protocol CP1 and the second communication protocol CP2 to an appropriate communication protocol CP according to the operation mode MD.

[0067] In the printer 2 according to this embodiment, the second communication protocol CP2 includes at least one of WebSocket and MQTT.

[0068] According to this configuration, for example, in the power saving mode MD2, communication is performed using WebSocket, which reduces the communication load and reduces the time lag in communication compared to when communication is performed using HTTP or HTTPS.

[0069] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, when the operating mode MD is power saving mode MD2, the second communication control unit 214 sends status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 every first period PD1.

[0070] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the first period PD1, when the operation mode MD is the power saving mode MD2, the server device 1 can acquire the state information JCD at an appropriate frequency.

[0071] In the printer 2 according to this embodiment, the first communication protocol CP1 includes at least one of HTTP and HTTPS.

[0072] According to this configuration, for example, when the operating mode MD is the normal mode MD1, the second communication control unit 214 communicates with the server device 1 using HTTP or HTTPS, allowing the printer 2 to perform stable communication with the server device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP to the first communication protocol CP1 when the operating mode MD is the normal mode MD1, and sets the communication protocol CP to the second communication protocol CP2, which is different from the first communication protocol CP1, when the operating mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3.

[0074] According to this configuration, when the operation mode MD is the normal mode MD1, the first communication protocol CP1 is set, and when the operation mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3, the communication protocol CP is set to the second communication protocol CP2, which is different from the first communication protocol CP1. Therefore, it is possible to set each of the first communication protocol CP1 and the second communication protocol CP2 to an appropriate communication protocol CP according to the operation mode MD.

[0075] In the printer 2 according to this embodiment, the second communication protocol includes at least one of WebSocket and MQTT.

[0076] According to this configuration, for example, in monitoring mode MD3, communication is performed using WebSocket, which reduces the communication load and reduces the time lag in communication compared to when communication is performed using HTTP or HTTPS.

[0077] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, when the operating mode MD is monitoring mode MD3, the second communication control unit 214 sends status information JCD indicating the status of the printer 2 to the server device 1 every second period PD2.

[0078] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the second period PD2, when the operation mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3, the server device 1 can acquire the status information JCD at an appropriate frequency.

[0079] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, when the operation mode MD is the normal mode MD1 or the power saving mode MD2, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3 in response to a request from the server device 1.

[0080] According to this configuration, for example, the administrator US of the server device 1 can set the operation mode MD to the monitoring mode MD3 by sending a first transition request RQ1 from the server device 1. Therefore, the administrator US of the server device 1 can start the monitoring mode MD3 at a desired timing. Therefore, convenience for the administrator US of the server device 1 can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, in the printer 2 according to this embodiment, when the operation mode MD is the monitoring mode MD3, the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to the normal mode MD1 in response to a request from the server device 1.

[0082] According to this configuration, for example, the administrator US of the server device 1 can set the operation mode MD from the monitoring mode MD3 to the normal mode MD1 by sending a second transition request RQ2 from the server device 1. Therefore, the administrator US of the server device 1 can end the monitoring mode MD3 at a desired timing. Therefore, convenience for the administrator US of the server device 1 can be improved.

[0083] The control method for the printer 2 according to this embodiment includes a first setting step of setting the operating mode MD of the printer 2 to one of the operating modes MD of normal mode MD1, power saving mode MD2, and monitoring mode MD3 in which the server device 1 monitors the status of the printer 2, and a second setting step of setting a communication protocol CP between the printer 2 and the server device 1 according to the set operating mode MD.

[0084] With this configuration, the control method for the printer 2 according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the printer 2 according to this embodiment.

[0085] The second control program PG2 of this embodiment causes the second processor 21A provided in the printer 2 to function as a mode setting unit 212 that sets the operation mode MD of the printer 2, and as a second communication control unit 214 that controls communication with the server device 1, and the mode setting unit 212 sets the operation mode MD to one of the operation modes MD: normal mode MD1, power saving mode MD2, and monitoring mode MD3 in which the server device 1 monitors the status of the printer 2, and the second communication control unit 214 sets the communication protocol CP with the server device 1 according to the set operation mode MD.

[0086] With this configuration, the second control program PG2 according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the printer 2 according to this embodiment.

[0087] This embodiment shows one mode, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0088] In this embodiment, the "image forming apparatus" is a printer 2, but is not limited to this. The "image forming apparatus" may be, for example, a copy machine. The "image forming apparatus" may also be, for example, a so-called multifunction peripheral.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is the server device 1 will be described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a personal computer. Furthermore, the "information processing device" may be, for example, a tablet device, a smartphone, etc. If the "information processing device" is a personal computer, tablet device, smartphone, etc., MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) can be used as the second communication protocol CP2 with the printer 2 instead of or in addition to WebSocket.

[0090] In this embodiment, a case is described in which the second processor 21A included in the printer 2 executes the second control program PG2 stored in the second memory 21B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The second control program PG2 can also be configured as a recording medium on which it is recorded so as to be readable by a computer, or as a transmission medium for transmitting the second control program PG2. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device, including portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, ROM, or HDD that is an internal storage device provided in the printer 2.

[0091] The functions of the second control unit 21 of the printer 2 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The second control unit 21 may also be configured to further include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), MCU (Micro Control Unit), or FPGA. The second control unit 21 may perform various controls by using both the CPU and the co-processor in cooperation with each other, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0092] The processing units in the sequence diagrams of Figures 5 and 6 are divided according to the main processing content to make the processing of the printer 2 easier to understand, and there are no limitations on how the processing units are divided or their names. The processing units in the sequence diagrams may be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. One processing unit may also be divided so that it includes more processes. The order of the processing may be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with the intent.

[0093] The functional units shown in Figures 2 and 3 indicate functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually; it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. The specific detailed configurations of the other units of the server device 1 and printer 2 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100...Status monitoring system, 1...Server device (information processing device), 11...First control unit, 11A...First processor, 11B...First memory, 13...First communication interface, 2...Printer (image forming device), 23...Second control unit, 21A...Second processor (processor), 21B...Second memory, 211...Printing control unit, 212...Mode setting unit, 213...Second status acquisition unit, 214...Second communication control unit (communication control unit), 215...Second status storage unit, 22...Second operation mechanism, 23...Second display mechanism, 24...Second communication interface Interface, 25...printing mechanism, 300...state transition diagram, 400...sequence diagram, 500...sequence diagram, CP...communication protocol, CP1...first communication protocol, CP2...second communication protocol, JCD...state information, MD...operating mode, MD1...normal mode, MD2...power saving mode, MD3...monitoring mode, PD1...first period, PD2...second period, PDA...predetermined period, PG1...first control program, PG2...second control program (control program), RQ1...first transition request, RQ2...second transition request, UP...administrator, US...administrator.

Claims

1. a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the image forming apparatus; a communication control unit that controls communication with the information processing device; Equipped with the mode setting unit sets the operation mode to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which the information processing device monitors the state of the image forming device; the communication control unit sets a communication protocol with the information processing device in accordance with the set operation mode. Image forming device.

2. The communication control unit When the operation mode is the normal mode, setting the communication protocol to a first communication protocol; When the operation mode is the power saving mode, the communication protocol is set to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The second communication protocol includes at least one of WebSocket and MQTT. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the communication control unit transmits status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus every first period when the operation mode is the power saving mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. the first communication protocol includes at least one of HTTP and HTTPS; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

6. The communication control unit When the operation mode is the normal mode, setting the communication protocol to a first communication protocol; When the operation mode is the monitoring mode, the communication protocol is set to a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

7. The second communication protocol includes at least one of WebSocket and MQTT. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 .

8. the communication control unit transmits status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus every second period when the operation mode is the monitoring mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. the mode setting unit sets the operation mode to the monitoring mode in response to a request from the information processing device when the operation mode is the normal mode or the power saving mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. the mode setting unit sets the operation mode to the normal mode in response to a request from the information processing device when the operation mode is the monitoring mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. a first setting step of setting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which an information processing apparatus monitors the state of the image forming apparatus; and a second setting step of setting a communication protocol between the information processing device and the communication device in accordance with the set operation mode; A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

12. A processor provided in an image forming apparatus, a mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the image forming apparatus, and a communication control unit that controls communication with an information processing apparatus; It functions as the mode setting unit sets the operation mode to one of a normal mode, a power saving mode, and a monitoring mode in which the information processing device monitors the state of the image forming device; the communication control unit sets a communication protocol with the information processing device in accordance with the set operation mode. Control program.

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